Cat gone missing for several days

There could be several reasons why a cat stays away from home. First, the temptation of food outside, where the cat finds it more satisfying than the food at home. Second, sometimes owners punish their cats, causing the cat to fear and stay away for days. Third, during their mating season, both male and female cats tend to stay outside for a few days. There are many other reasons why cats might leave home, with varying circumstances.

How often do cats go into heat?

Female cats usually go into heat for the first time at 7-8 months old, and no later than 1 year old. The frequency and timing can vary depending on the cat's breed and living environment. To prevent unwanted pregnancies and matings, it's best to neuter or spay the cat early on. The mating season for cats runs from late winter to early summer, with each heat lasting 5-10 days. If not mated, the cat will go into heat again after 2-3 weeks. If a cat is consistently prevented from mating, her hormones may become imbalanced, causing her to go into heat more frequently.

Symptoms of cat heat

Signs of a cat in heat include:

Male cats may urinate randomly, rarely using their litter box. They may also display mating behaviors like mounting other cats.
Female cats become excited and wander around. Their appetite decreases or they may stop eating altogether. They become more affectionate, seeking out male cats and repeatedly displaying mating behaviors.
Female cats' vulvas swell and produce clear fluids.

Treating cat heat

The best solution is neutering or spaying. After the procedure, hormone levels decrease, preventing the cat from going into heat. This also reduces the risk of mammary tumors in female cats and prostate tumors in male cats. Hormonal medication can also be used to suppress heat, but this method has greater side effects and should be used with caution.